Hot SourceThe national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has made its stance clear on the alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
CAN affirmed that many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of lives, and the destruction of places of worship.
DAILY POST reports that US Senator, Ted Cruz had claimed that Christians in Nigeria were being persecuted, maimed and killed in large numbers.
CAN, in a statement signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, its President, said it has become necessary for the body to speak clearly, truthfully, and with compassion.
He said, “These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region.”
CAN said that it has over the years, alongside the wider Christian community “worked tirelessly to draw attention, both nationally and internationally, to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”
The Association said it has “established mechanisms for recording incidents of religiously motivated killings, engaged with international partners, written to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and hosted global Christian organisations such as the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.”
It said that these sustained efforts demonstrate its consistent advocacy for justice, peace, and the protection of Christian communities under threat.
“Our concern remains that these cries for justice and protection are too often met with delay or denial. We therefore renew our call on government and security agencies to take urgent, transparent, and equitable action to end the killings, safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from displacement, and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law. The pain of Christian families torn apart by violence must never be treated as mere statistics,” he added.
CAN said it acknowledges the efforts of government and security agencies in responding to the nation’s security challenges, but urged that “these efforts be redoubled towards equitable protection for all. It is equally imperative that perpetrators of violence are brought swiftly and transparently to justice.”
It added, “We also appeal to all Christian leaders to continue to speak and act with wisdom, unity, and faith, knowing that peace is too fragile to be taken for granted.
“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities. Only then can our nation rise from its wounds and embrace a future of genuine peace,” CAN maintained.
US Genocide Allegations: Christians are being killed – CAN clarifies position
